Taiwan’s Economic Affairs Minister resigns ahead of expected Cabinet reshuffle
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Taiwan’s Economic Affairs Minister Kuo Jyh-huei (centre) said his resignation was based on “health considerations”, given the taxing nature of the job.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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TAIPEI – Taiwan’s Minister of Economic Affairs said on Aug 22 that he had resigned for health reasons, ahead of a widely expected Cabinet reshuffle as the government faces domestic challenges including trying to work with an opposition-dominated legislature.
One of the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ key roles is overseeing the crucial semiconductor sector in Taiwan, home to the world’s largest contract chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC).
It also enforces controls to ensure sensitive high-tech goods do not end up in countries subject to export curbs such as China or Russia, and oversees energy policy.
Mr Kuo Jyh-huei, previously a senior executive of a TSMC supplier, Topco Scientific, assumed the minister of economic affairs role in May 2024 as Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te’s administration took office.
In a statement issued by his ministry, Mr Kuo said his resignation was based on “health considerations”, given the taxing nature of the job.
Mr Kuo has faced criticism from opposition parties for his frequent verbal slip-ups.
“Regarding the criticism and feedback I have received from various sectors during this period, whether directed at policies or at me personally, I sincerely appreciate it and humbly accept it,” he said in his resignation statement.
There was no immediate word from the Cabinet on his replacement.
Mr Lai has had to contend with opposition parties, who form a majority in Parliament, blocking legislation and passing their own, as well as imposing swingeing Budget cuts.
The Taiwan media said this week that a Cabinet reshuffle in August was very likely, and named Mr Kuo as one of the ministers most at risk of being replaced.
Mr Kuo had also been one of the ministers involved in formulating the government’s response to US President Donald Trump’s 20 per cent tariff on goods exported to the US.
Earlier on Aug 22, Digital Affairs Minister Yennun Huang said he was stepping down to return to academia. REUTERS
